How will John Lineker fare against Asa Ten Pow at ONE 168 in his Muay Thai debut?
Veteran MMA fighter John Lineker will be making his Muay Thai debut this week in the United States and a lot of eyes will be trained on how he will fare in the 'art of eight of limbs'.
'Hands of Stone' is set for his maiden Muay Thai outing at ONE 168 in Denver, Colorado, on Sept. 6 against Asa 'The American Ninja' Ten Pow in a bantamweight clash. It is part of the event happening at the Ball Arena and airing live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.
While it will be the first Muay Thai match of John Lineker, his aggressive style of fighting and extensive experience should serve him well in the striking-only discipline against Ten Pow.
Ten Pow presents a solid challenge to the Brazilian fireball, but he should be mindful of the inherent power that Lineker possesses lest he find himself stopped by one of the most explosive fighters in the game.
John Lineker's showdown against Ten Pow is one of five Muay Thai matches on offer at ONE 168, which will be ONE Championship's second live on-ground event in the U.S.
Tickets for ONE 168: Denver are available for purchase on Ticketmaster.
John Lineker admits Asa Ten Pow has advantage in Muay Thai
John Lineker is confident of transitioning well to Muay Thai in his scheduled return to action at ONE 168: Denver on Sept. 6. However, he does not discount the fact that opponent Asa Ten Pow carries an advantage, having competed longer in the striking-only discipline.
The 34-year-old American Top Team representative laid this down in an interview with ONE Championship, recognizing the challenge he will be having as he competes outside of his traditional lane of MMA.
Lineker said:
"Asa Ten Pow is a striking guy, a specialist in this area, and who is already used to fighting under the rules of Muay Thai."
In venturing into Muay Thai, Lineker, who is the former ONE bantamweight MMA world champion, said he is out to continue challenging himself as a fighter and explore what he is still capable of doing.